Denver Zoo Animal Art to Be Auctioned for Visit Denver's Art Week

Online Art Auction to Raise Funds for Denver Zoo Beginning Nov. 6!

DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - November 05, 2015) - Denver Zoo's animal artists have once again painted a number of beautiful paintings for Denver Arts Week. More than 10 animals supported the effort to create works for the famous weeklong celebration, created by Visit Denver to showcase Denver's robust art scene. Art seekers looking for something on the wild side can review and bid on animal artwork online, beginning on Nov. 6 and ending Nov. 14 at www.denverzoo.org.

With submissions that include thoughtful elephant trunk strokes and pretty paw prints, these works belong in only the most discerning art lovers' homes. Three African penguins put their beaked heads together to create a stunning series of pieces, perhaps none more moving than "Waddling for Juniper." This is dedicated to African penguin Juniper, who opted not to participate this year after her piece last year was so poorly received by one art critic.

"These three artists' tribute to the last masterpiece by fellow painter Juniper sheds light on the collaborative artistic community at the Denver Zoo," says Denver Art Museum Curator of Painting and Sculpture Angelica Daneo. "In a world dominated by 'prima donna' personalities, it is refreshing to see Ramon, Rylie and Maddy set aside their individual ambitions and collaborate on a work captivating in its chromatic juxtapositions and abstract aesthetic."

Orangutans Junie and Robin also created two paintings on canvas. "Swingin'" and "Baby Bosley" are sure to be favored by art scene critics.

About Denver Zoo: Denver Zoo brings education alive, providing a unique learning experience that sparks an interest in the natural world for visitors and program participants alike. Home to 4,300 animals representing more than 600 species, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which assures the highest standards of animal care.

Denver Zoo serves two million visitors each year and 350,000 of those guests are provided free access. Denver Zoo's Scholarship fund has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to schools and families in the past five years. SCFD funding is critical to supporting and expanding these programs, as well supporting the care of 4,300 animals, many of which are endangered or threatened.